Spectra Watermakers Bimini 300 Installation And Operating Manual
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Outboard powered boats are one of the fastest growing segments of the Marine
industry today. Gasoline powered outboard motors present unique safety challenges for electrically controlled marine equipment like watermakers. With
these challenges in mind, Spectra has designed the first watermaker specifically configured for this exciting class of boats, the Bimini 300.
The Bimini is the first watermaker to be certified Ignition Protected for use on
gasoline powered boats. Non-sparking switches and a state-of-the-art brushless
DC motor are utilized to make sure all components comply with the strictest
federal guidelines. This safe, convenient system is versatile, modular and easily
maintained.
The Bimini 300 is also fully automated with the Spectra Connect system making it the simplest watermaker ever to operate and maintain, as well as allowing
mobile access and control from a phone, tablet or computer. Data logging, Fill
Tank, Auto Flush, and built-in Maintenance Interval schedules put the Bimini
300 into a class of its own.
The Spectra Bimini 300 greatly extends the range and versatility of the modern
outboard powered vessel.
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Fresh Water Flush
Pressing the ‘Fresh Water Flush’ button flushes
the watermaker with fresh water from the vessel’s domestic water tanks. After completing
the flush, Spectra Connect will automatically
enter the Auto Store mode.
Stop
Pressing the ‘Stop’ button from the Home
Screen will end the Auto Store mode countdown timer and leave your watermaker in
Standby mode.
When you first power up the system, you will get a warning message, asking if the system has
been stored with chemicals.
If the system has been pickled, winterized, this is the first startup, or the condition of the system is unknown, go to COMMISSIONING on page 23 or serious damage may occur.
Start
Pressing the ‘Start’ button once advances to
the Run Mode selection screen.
Spectra Connect Quick Start Guide
Run Mode
Select your desired Run Mode to start making
water and filling your tanks. See details on Run
Mode options on p. 37
Spectra Connect Modes and Definitions
Auto Store: After the watermaker fresh water flushes, it will start a countdown timer that can be
seen on the Home screen. The timer indicates the next programmed fresh water flush if the watermaker is not started again, or the ‘Stop’ button is not pressed.
Fill Tank: The watermaker will automatically run until the Tank Full switch in the water storage
tanks closes. Once the Tank Full switch closes, the watermaker automatically fresh water flushes,
then reverts to the Auto Store mode.
Auto Run: The watermaker can be set to run for a number of hours, or for a quantity of water to be
produced. When the desired quantity of water is produced or the run timer expires, the watermaker
will Fresh Water Flush and enter the Auto Store mode.
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Thank you for your purchase of a Spectra Bimini 300 system. When properly installed and
maintained, it will provide years of trouble free service. Professional installation is strongly recommended. Like any piece of mechanical equipment, the system will require inspection and
service, so plan ahead for service access and install “service loops” in cabling. If a dealer is installing the system for you, review the location of the components to ensure the installation will
meet your approval upon completion.
Bimini Installation Quick Start
Important Details for Installer
1. The system must have a dedicated sea water inlet to guarantee a constant flow of water to the
system. The inlet should be as low in the boat as possible with a dedicated, forward-facing
scoop-type thru-hull fitting.
2. Both the Bimini 300 feed pump module and the Clark Pump/Membrane module must be installed in a well ventilated compartment where temperatures will not exceed 113°F (45°C).
Many engine compartments exceed this temperature when underway. Warranty will be void if
the installation does not meet this requirement.
3. Follow the wire gauge charts in the instructions! Using larger wire than specified is acceptable.
4. If you are separating the Clark Pump/membrane assembly, please review the high pressure
tube assembly instructions. Improper assembly will cause failure!
5. Run, test, then sea trial the complete system before assuming it is operational. If the boat is in
fresh or dirty water, see Dry Testing the System. After testing, make sure the flush cycle operates properly. The water going overboard at the end of the flush should measure <1000 PPM
Total Dissolved Solids.
6. The Spectra Connect control must have DC power continuously to achieve the full benefits of
the fresh water flush system. The domestic fresh water pressure must be on and the fresh water
tank level maintained. Calculate about 7 gallons (27 liters) per flush.
7. The Spectra Connect control must be de-powered (DC power off) after the system is pickled
or winterized.
8. Spectra dealers are responsible for educating the vessel owners on the operation and maintenance of the system. Please walk through the entire installation with our customer.
9. The equipment owner should fill out the warranty card or register online.
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Table of Contents
Getting Started ................................................................................................................... 11
Installation Basics ............................................................................................................. 12
Components ....................................................................................................................... 13
Bimini Plumbing Schematic & Plumbing Detail .............................................................. 15
Plumbing Detail ................................................................................................................. 16
Tube Fitting Assembly Procedures ................................................................................... 19
Electrical & Remote Display Installation .......................................................................... 20
Tank Switch Wiring and operation ................................................................................... 24
Optional Tank Level Sensor Installation .......................................................................... 26
Operation ..........................................................................................................................
New Systems Start Up and Testing ................................................................................... 27
Dry Testing with an Artificial Ocean ................................................................................ 29
Sensor Calibration ............................................................................................................. 30
Tank Level Sensor Calibration .......................................................................................... 32
Salinity Calibration ........................................................................................................... 34
Product Flow Calibration .................................................................................................. 35
Networking ........................................................................................................................ 36
Normal Operation ............................................................................................................. 38
Maintenance, Storage, and Troubleshooting ........................................................
Maintenance ...................................................................................................................... 43
Introduction to Spectra Chemicals .................................................................................... 46
Storage Procedures ............................................................................................................ 48
Winterizing with Propylene Glycol ................................................................................... 49
Membrane Cleaning Procedure ......................................................................................... 50
Suggested Spares ............................................................................................................... 51
Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................ 52
Alarm Override and Manual Operation ............................................................................ 53
Bimini Flow Test ............................................................................................................... 55
Poor Water Quality ............................................................................................................ 57
Technical Bulletins ............................................................................................................ 58
Spectra Connect Programming & Controls .........................................................
Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 61
User Settings & Fault Alarms ........................................................................................... 62
Dealer Access Settings ...................................................................................................... 64
Wiring Schematic .............................................................................................................. 67
Electrical Specifications .................................................................................................... 68
Exploded Views and Part Numbers ..................................................................... 69
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Installation Notes...
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Unpack the system and inspect it for damage during shipping. Freight damage must be reported to the carrier within 24 hours.
Refer to the shipping list for your system to ensure you received all of the components listed.
Do not discard any packaging unl you have found and idened all of the parts. The small
installaon parts are listed on the kit list.
Warning! We will not be held responsible for shortages that are not reported within thirty
days of the ship date.
Study the system layout diagram, component photos, and descripons before beginning installaon.
Lay out the system. Before starng the installaon idenfy where each module and component will be placed. Ensure that there is enough clearance around the components for removal of lters and system service. Make sure you have adequate tubing and hose before starng.
Addional parts may be ordered.
Geng Started
Bimini 300 Shipping List:
• Bimini Feed Pump Module
• 10% Clark Pump and Reverse Osmosis Membrane Module
• Boost Pump and Sea Strainer Module
• Fresh Water Flush Module or Z-Ion
• Service Kit
• 3/4-inch Black Spiral Sucon Hose (25 feet)
• 5/8-inch Vinyl Hose (25 feet)
• 3/4-inch Vinyl Hose (10 feet)
• 1/2-inch Vinyl Hose (25 feet) ed with Quick Connect Fing on
one end, and John Guest stem ng on the other end.
• 1/4-inch Black Product Tubing (25’)
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Installaon Basics
• Read the direcons!
• Avoid ght hose bends and excessive runs.
• Use heavy gauge wire.
• Install feed pump module as low as possible.
• Boost pump module must be installed below the waterline.
• Use a dedicated thru-hull with scoop-type strainer.
• Do not mount components over electrical devices.
• Avoid geng dirt or debris into the piping or hoses during
assembly. A small bit of debris can stop the system!
Thru-hull Locaon: The system must be connected to a dedicated 3/4” to 1” forward-facing
scoop-type intake thru-hull and seacock.
Install the thru-hull intake as far below the waterline and as close to centerline as possible to
avoid contaminaon and air entering the system. Do not install the intake close to, or downstream of, a head discharge, behind the keel, stabilizer ns, or other underwater xtures.
Thru-hulls in the bow area are suscepble to air intake in rough condions. Sharing a thru-hull
can introduce unforeseen problems such as intermient ow restricons, air bubbles, contaminants, and will void the warranty. For racing boats and high speed boats traveling above 15
knots, a retractable snorkel-type thru-hull ng is preferred because it picks up water away
from the hull.
The brine discharge thru-hull should be mounted above the waterline, along or just above the
boot stripe, to minimize water li and back pressure.
Double clamp all hose connecons below the waterline.
Avoid restricons or long runs on the enre inlet side of the plumbing from the thru-hull to the
feed pump module.
Secure the piping away from moving objects such as engine belts and hatches. Prevent chafe on
the tubing as required. Test and inspect all piping and hose clamps aer several hours of operaon.
Pipe Fing Instrucons: To seal plasc-to-plasc ngs, wrap 6 to 8 layers of Teon tape over
their threads. Hold the ng in your le hand and ghtly wrap the threads clockwise. For
smoother assembly, do not tape the rst (starng) threads.
Wiring
• Pay aenon to wire size or system performance will be impaired
• Perform wiring to UL, ABYC, CE or applicable standards
Seawater Flow
Thru-hull
Not Supplied.
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Components
Feed Pump Module
Mount the feed pump module on a vertical surface, up
to 3-feet (1.0M) above the waterline. It is preferable to
mount as low as possible. Locate in an area that allows
easy access to both the filters, and the left and right side
of the enclosure (3 inches or more). Keep future
maintenance in mind when choosing a location, and do
not mount above water-sensitive equipment. The feed
pump has overheat protection and will not operate
properly at ambient temperatures over 113°F (48°
C).
Sea Strainer and Boost Pump Module: Mount close to the
intake through-hull, below the waterline, in a location that
can handle water spillage during service. The boost pump
power cable will connect to the feed pump module.
Fresh Water Flush Module: The fresh water flush module may
be located in any convenient location near the feed pump module.
It should be mounted with the filter housing vertical and accessible,
with 2” below the housing for filter changes. Do not install over
electrical equipment. The unit contains the charcoal filter, a solenoid shut off valve, and a flush water flow regulator.
IF INSTALLING THE Z±ION, SEE Z±ION INSTALLATION
INSTRUCTIONS FOR MORE DETAILS.
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Double rubber mounts
to absorb vibration
This module must be installed in an area that maintains a temperature below 113°F (45°C). It
may be placed as high in the boat as you desire, and mounted in any position, even upside
down. Make sure that the area around and under the pump does not have any water sensitive
equipment, as water will be spilled during any repairs or if a leak occurs. Allow for easy access
to the pressure relief valve.
The Clark pump and membrane module comes complete with a mounting system. Be sure to
use the supplied washers on the rubber feet.
Pressure Relief Valve
Components continued...
Clark Pump and Membrane
Remote Touchscreen
The remote control panel can be mounted anywhere dry and
convenient. Cut a 5-5/8” (12.7 cm) wide by 3-1/4” (7.62 cm)
high opening for the panel. The display needs minimum 2
1/2” deep clearance for the cable. Take care not to damage the
plugs on the ends of the cable when routing. Use only a Spec-
tra-approved cable.
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Use the supplied 3/4” (19mm) sucon hose (clear with black spiral)
from the inlet thru-hull to the boost
pump/sea strainer module, and from
the boost pump/sea strainer module
to the feed pump.
From the Clark pump brine discharge connector use the supplied 5/8 (16 mm) clear
braided vinyl hose with Quick Connect
ng to the brine overboard ng.
Plumbing Schemac
Flush water from ship’s
pressure water system
25 psi (2bar) minimum
Use part of the 25-feet (8 meters)
of 1/2-inch vinyl hose, pre-ed
with a 1/2-inch John Guest stem
ng, to connect the feed pump
to the Clark Pump feed water inlet.
(see following pages)
Use the 1/2-inch vinyl hose with
the Quick Connect ng between the Z-Ion/fresh water
ush module and the top of the
sea strainer. (see following pages)
The oponal Z-ION will re-
place the Fresh Water
Flush module
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Plumbing Detail
Your system includes 25-feet of 1/2-inch vinyl hose with a Quick
Connect ng on one end and a 1/2-inch John Guest stem
ng on the other, both crimped on with ferrules. You will CUT
THIS HOSE and, using the ngs found in the installaon kit,
use one end for the feed water inlet hose and the other for
the fresh water ush hose:
Fresh Water Flush: Route a feed line from the domesc cold pressure water system to the
1/2-inch hose barb on the fresh water ush module. This needs to be pressurized when the
boat is unaended for the fresh water ush system to funcon properly. The domesc fresh
water pump must be able to deliver 1.5 gallons per minute (6 LPM) at 25 PSI (1.7 bar).
Aaching 1/2-inch vinyl hose to sea
strainer using the 3/8” John Guest
stem ng and hose clamp found in
installaon kit:
Aaching 1/2-inch vinyl hose to Z-Ion/
fresh water ush module with the preed Quick Connect ng:
Flush water from ship’s
pressure water system
25 psi (2bar) minimum
The oponal Z-ION will re-
place the Fresh Water
Flush module
From the intake seacock to the sea strainer/boost pump module,
and from the sea strainer/boost pump module to the pre-lter
housing on the feed pump module, use the 3/4-inch black, spiralwound sucon hose:
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Quick Disconnect Fing
Plumbing Detail connued...
Brine Discharge: Route the brine discharge from the quick disconnect ngs to a thru-hull
above the waterline using the supplied 5/8” braided vinyl hose and the male Quick Disconnect
ng from the installaon kit:
From the feed pump to the Clark Pump feed water inlet, use the remaining 1/2-inch vinyl hose,
with the 1/2-inch John Guest stem ng pre-ed with a ferrule. Insert the pre-ed end into
the feed pump (Figure 1), and the 1/2” John Guest stem ng and hose clamp from the installaon kit for the Clark Pump feed water inlet (Figure 2). Refer to John Guest assembly instrucons on page 22:
Figure 1: Fig- ure 2:
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Product to tank: Route the product water into the top
of a vented tank, or a tee in the water tank ll hose.
DO NOT feed into a vent line, manifold, or into the
boom of the tank. Bladder tanks will create too much
back pressure. There must be no restricon or back
pressure whatsoever in this piping.
Salinity Probe (under)
Diversion Valve
The 1/4”(6mm) product water tubing is pre-plumbed from the membrane into the electric diversion
valve. The diversion valve will reject product water into the overboard brine stream unl the Connect controller determines the product water is below 750 PPM salinity. Once below 750 PPM, the
Connect controller opens the diversion valve and product water is diverted into the fresh water
tank. The salinity probe must be mounted in a vercal posion with the cable coming out the
boom. If the Clark Pump/Membrane Module is mounted vercally or upside down the diversion
valve/probe assembly MUST be remounted in the proper orientaon.
For plumbing to the fresh water tank, see the John Guest ng assembly diagram on the next
Product Diversion Valve Manifold
Rotoow Meter
Accepted Product
Water Outlet
Rejected product outlet
Check Valve
Product Water Plumbing
Manual override buon
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John Guest Super Speedfit Fittings
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The Bimini 300 has a power inlet harness with a terminal block and cover, a boost pump power
plug with a yellow band, terminal block for the tank full switch and the optional tank level sensor, and a short plug with a green band for the optional Z-Ion.
Do not install it in hot or poorly ventilated locations. Allow access to the motor speed
control.
Power inlet harness
with terminal block
Boost pump cable (Yellow)
Brushless Motor speed
controller
Spectra Connect
controller (Inside control
Run Auto/Manual/Service
toggle switch
Electrical
Z-ION Connector (with green band). Left
unused if your system was not ordered
with the optional Z-ION.
Tank Full Switch
Terminal Block,
Green + Orange
Tank Level sensor
5vdc: Red
Signal: White
Ground: Black
Standard Fresh Water
Flush connector (Blue)
Product manifold assemble (Redconnects left of Clark Pump)
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Bimini 300 systems are pre-ed with waterproof connectors for electrical and signal cables. Each connector is dierent, so it is impossible to connect them incorrectly, and the connectors are color-coded. The system has a power inlet harness with a terminal block and cover, a 2-conductor boost pump cable, a 5-conductor diversion valve and Rotoow sensor cable,
a 2–conductor fresh water ush solenoid cable, a Z-Ion power and signal cable, and a 100-foot
(30.5 M) cable for the Connect display.
Diversion Valve and
Rotoow Cable (5conductor, Red).
Z-Ion power and signal
cable (3-conductor,
Green)
Cables are shown coming
out of the boom of the
Feed Pump Module.
Fresh water ush solenoid cable (2-conductor,
Blue)
100’ (33.3M) cable with
connectors for the connect
display
The Bimini 300 has three ports that
can be viewed when looking down
inside the Feed Pump Module; one
for the display, one for networking,
and one for the salinity probe. The
Salinity probe is a 5 pin cable with RJ
-12 connectors (phone jack) on both
ends this cable runs in parallel. The
Display cable is a standard Cat 5e
ethernet cable.
Electrical continued…
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Electrical continued…
Wire Size Guide for the Bimini 300 12 Volt:
8 Gauge (10mm²) up to 15 feet (4.5M)
6 Gauge (16mm²) up to 20 feet (7.6M)
4 Gauge (25mm²) up to 35 feet (14M)
Wire Size Guide for the Bimini 300 24 Volt:
8 Gauge (10mm²) up to 30 feet (10.6M)
6 Gauge (16mm²) up to 45 feet (14M)
Note: If the specified circuit breaker sizes are unavailable, use the next higher rating but do not exceed the specification by more then 10%.
All wiring to be done to applicable ABYC, Marine UL, or CE standards.
Distances at left represent the total
ROUND TRIP wire length (DC positive length plus DC negative
length), NOT the length of the pair
of wires together. Size cables accordingly.
Mount the main power terminal block in a junction box or on a bulkhead adjacent to the feed
pump module. Make sure that this is a dry location well above bilge level and not subject to water spray. Be sure to install the terminal block cover.
Check the wire size chart for appropriate wire sizes. DC power feeds should be uninterruptible
to insure proper operation of the auto store feature. Avoid house breaker panels that could be
accidentally tripped.
Component Sizing:
• 12-Volt: Use a 25 Amp breaker and size the wiring for 25 Amperes.
• 24-Volt: Use a 15 Amp breaker and size the wire for 13 Amperes.
• Provide circuit protection at the source! Undersized wiring will
Connect the yellow boost pump connector from the bottom of the feed pump housing to the
corresponding connector routed from the boost pump.
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Installing a Remote Display
Route the cable through the vessel in the most direct route possible. Avoid kinking the wire, or
sharp corners where the wire can chafe through while the vessel is under way.
Turn power OFF to the system.
Connect the ethernet cable to back of the display in the open jack.
Connect the opposing end of the ethernet cable to the RJ12 port labeled “DISPLAY” in the feed
pump module.
Remote Display Plugin
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Factory Supplied Tank Full Switch
Installing the supplied tank full float switch at the top of your water tank allows the Spectra Connect to fill your water tank then automatically stop, fresh
water flush and return to Auto Store mode with no additional user commands.
Note: The float may need to be flipped 180° to work properly. The float can
be easily flipped by removing the clip opposite the wire.
Drill and tap a 1/8” npt port into the top of the fresh water tank that is being
filled by the watermaker. This can be installed on a tank access cover, or
directly into the water tank. If installing on an access cover, be sure to leave a
service loop on the float switch wiring to allow removal of the tank access cover.
For Instructions on ‘Auto Fill’ mode and installing a Tank Low switch, see ‘Auto Fill’ mode
instructions later in this manual.
Watermakers should never be run unattended.
Your watermaker comes with the top-mounted Tank Full Switch (EL-SWT-LV) and is designed to be mounted to the top of the water tank. The side-mounted float switch (EL-SWTSMLV) can be sourced from your local dealer or Full Service Provider if you cannot access the
top of your tank.
If you do not install the Tank Full switch in your tank, you MUST DISABLE the Tank Full
Switch in the system settings. See System Settings instructions later in this manual.
Tank Switch Installation
The supplied float switch must be connected to the Green and Orange conductors at the Feed
Pump Module, labeled Tank Full Switch. There is no polarity.
Use 18/2 tinned wire or larger. Wire is not included in the installation kit.
Drill and Tap
Connect to Gr/Or wires
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